Mars Polar Lander Launch Windows

Launch period. The primary launch period is January 3-10, 1999, while a
secondary
period is open January 11-16 and a contingency launch period exists January
17-27. Launch
during the primary period insures that the spacecraft will land December 3,
1999, within the
target area from 73 to 77 degrees south latitude near Mars' south pole. If
launch is delayed past
the primary period, the landing latitude moves northward, and the landing is
delayed. Launch
at the end of the contingency period would result in an arrival date no
later than December 17,
1999, and a landing about 2 degrees further north.

Daily window. One nearly instantaneous launch opportunity occurs each day
during the
launch period. On January 3, the opportunity is at 3:21 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time (EST). By
January 27, the launch opportunity will be at 12:53 p.m. EST.